Dig into history this October as we celebrate Ohio Archaeology Month at the Ohio History Center! Join us Sat. October 10th for a guest talk with an expert in the field and on Sun. October 11th younger visitors can participate in a mock dig on site.
Programs included with museum admission. Attendance at the talk on Saturday is not required to participate in the mock dig. Pre-registration for mock dig is required and available online soon. Limited space available.
Saturday, Oct. 10: Where the Moon Stands Still: Revealing the Cosmic Genius of Ohio's Indigenous Earthwork (1 p.m.)
Join author James W. Graham at the Ohio History Center as he shares insights and knowledge from his new book, Where the Moon Stands Still: Revealing the Cosmic Genius of Ohio's Indigenous Earthworks.
The inspiring story of how two intrepid college professors revealed the lunar alignments and ancient engineering genius behind the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.
How did people two millennia ago achieve the stunning architectural and scientific accomplishment that in 2023 became Ohio's only UNESCO World Heritage Site? In Where the Moon Stands Still, James W. Graham recounts the inspiring true story of two small-town college professors who, without funds or training in archaeology, helped unlock secrets behind an ancient monumental work of land art—the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks—all but hidden in plain sight on a local golf course.
James W. Graham has spent his career working in journalism, public affairs, and nonprofit communications. He is the author of Victura: The Kennedys, a Sailboat, and the Sea and has written for Time, The Huffington Post, and elsewhere. He lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, Linda Kingman.
Joining this talk is Site Superintendent of Newark Earthworks and Flint Ridge, Sarah Hinkelman.
Sarah Hinkelman is a public archaeologist dedicated to connecting people with Ohio’s rich Indigenous heritage. A graduate of Ohio University and The Ohio State University, Sarah specializes in Midwestern Precontact archaeology, with research and fieldwork focused on Indigenous Late Precontact sites in southwestern Ohio and southeastern Indiana.
Since 2018 Sarah has been engaged in the preservation and interpretation of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks. After beginning as a park guide at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, Sarah now serves as Site Superintendent of the Newark Earthworks and Flint Ridge for the Ohio History Connection, where she oversees public programming, site stewardship, and visitor engagement at two of Ohio’s most significant archaeological sites.
Sunday, Oct. 11: Mock Archaeological Dig (outdoors)
Activities begin at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and last about a half hour.
This program is ideal for younger visitors, and an adult must be present with their child for the entirety of the activity.
